Powys Crime Rate January 2024 | Monthly Statistics

Powys, a largely rural local authority district, reported a crime rate of 1.8 per 1,000 residents in January 2024, placing it 75.7% below the UK average of 7.4 per 1,000. This stark contrast highlights a unique crime profile shaped by the area’s sparse population and limited urban centres. Violence and sexual offences dominated the crime profile, accounting for 54.2% of all incidents, yet their rate of 1.0 per 1,000 was 62% below the UK average. Anti-social behaviour followed closely at 27.3% of total crimes, with its rate also 49% below the UK figure. These patterns align with seasonal factors typical of January, a post-holiday month marked by reduced retail activity and shorter daylight hours, which likely curtail opportunities for outdoor crimes. The low prevalence of property crimes—only 28 incidents across the month—further underscores the area’s distinct character, where burglary and vehicle crime rates were 100% below UK averages. Such figures suggest that Powys’ rural geography, with its limited population density and fewer commercial hubs, may contribute to the lower incidence of crimes typically associated with urban environments, such as shoplifting or vehicle theft. However, the dominance of violence and sexual offences raises questions about local social dynamics. The seasonal context of January, with its colder temperatures and reduced public gatherings, may also play a role in shaping these patterns, though further analysis would be needed to establish a definitive link.

January 2024 saw a 7.9% increase in anti-social behaviour, rising from 63 to 68 incidents, a shift that may reflect heightened tensions during the post-holiday period. Conversely, several crime categories experienced sharp declines, including other crime (down 93.8%), criminal damage and arson (down 92.8%), and possession of weapons (down 90.0%). These decreases suggest potential improvements in community policing or reduced opportunities for such offences during January’s colder, shorter days. Shoplifting in Powys was 100% below the UK average, with zero incidents recorded—unusual for a month typically associated with post-Christmas retail activity. This anomaly may be attributed to the area’s limited retail presence, as rural districts often lack the high-footfall environments that drive such crimes. The overall balance of crime types also shifted, with violent offences making up over half of all incidents, compared to property crimes, which accounted for less than 10%. This mix diverges from the UK average, where property crimes typically dominate, further illustrating the unique crime dynamics in Powys. For residents, the most immediate takeaway is the sharp drop in other crime categories, which includes offences like vandalism and public disorder, indicating a possible reduction in low-level disturbances during the month.

The crime rate in Powys fell by 59.8% from 4.6 per 1,000 in December 2023 to 1.8 per 1,000 in January 2024, marking a significant downward trend. This decline aligns with the seasonal context of January, a month historically associated with reduced public activity and fewer opportunities for crime in rural areas. On a daily basis, Powys recorded an average of eight crimes per day in January, a figure that, while low, may still concern residents given the area’s small population. Over the course of the month, one reported crime occurred for roughly every 542 residents, a statistic that translates to a 1-in-542 chance of being directly affected by crime—a rate far lower than the UK average. When considering the population-scaled perspective, the 135,059 residents of Powys experienced a total of 249 crimes, equating to approximately 0.18% of the population being involved in a crime. This figure is particularly notable when compared to urban areas, where crime rates are often higher and the impact per individual more pronounced. The stark contrast between Powys’ crime profile and the UK average underscores the challenges of applying national statistics to rural regions, where social and geographical factors can significantly alter crime patterns. For local residents, the data reinforces the perception of Powys as a relatively safe area, though the persistence of violent offences—despite their lower rate—remains a concern that may warrant further community-focused initiatives.